A seasonal service between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland has returned earlier than last year, and with increased capacity for the winter travel period.
Sunshine Coast Airport has welcomed the resumption of Air New Zealand flights for the 13th year.
The service recommenced on Friday, June 5, three weeks earlier than last year, and with a significant increase of 16.8 percent capacity (2890 seats).
Outgoing Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said travellers would benefit.
“The service strengthens connectivity during the peak winter travel period, providing more opportunities for visitors to experience the Sunshine Coast and for local travellers to access New Zealand and onward international destinations.”
Air New Zealand will ramp up operations during the start of the season, with two weekly services operating in early June before increasing to a three-per-week schedule during the peak winter period.
“The return of Air New Zealand is welcome news for our community, helping reconnect friends and families through the airline’s strong domestic network across New Zealand,” Mr Mills said.
“It also enables more visitors to discover everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer while supporting local tourism operators and businesses.
“We highly value our partnership with Air New Zealand and are excited to welcome the airline back for another fantastic season.”
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Air New Zealand general manager short haul and domestic Lucy Hall said it was “fantastic to see Air New Zealand’s seasonal Sunshine Coast service return”.
“It’s a favourite destination for many Kiwi holidaymakers, and families in particular love the convenience of a direct option.
“We’re also pleased to welcome our Sunshine Coast customers onboard, with easy access to Auckland and 19 other destinations via our New Zealand domestic network. It’s great to create more choice and flexibility for customers travelling on both sides of the Tasman.”
Sunshine Coast Airport has recorded exceptional growth and is expected to welcome more than 1.8 million passengers in FY26, reflecting a 10-year growth rate of 69 per cent compared to FY17.
Following the recent announcement of new international routes to Bali and Singapore, and in parallel with the continued investment in the region, passenger movements are forecast to exceed 2.4 million by 2030.
Sunshine Coast Airport is one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports, supported by increased connectivity and significant infrastructure investment including a $170 million terminal redevelopment, which is well underway, and the approval of the airport’s Gateway Precinct Masterplan.
